Protest in Jammu demanding fair treatment for Pakistani Sikhs

Jammu, May 8 (ANI): Demanding fair treatment of Sikhs in Pakistan's Swat Valley, scores of Jammu Bar Association members and protestors marched before the United Nations Observers office on Friday.

They submitted a memorandum to the UN Secretary General seeking intervention of the UN in protecting the Sikhs and other minorities from being uprooted in Swat Valley.

"Through this memorandum we want to remind the United Nations that according to its Charter, none can ever victimize a particular religious community. We hope that the UN Secretary General will properly consider our request and build pressure on Pakistan," said Jammu Bar Association President Sunil Sethi.

Earlier, on account of the mass protest by members of Sikh community, schools were closed and buses were taken off the roads in the Jammu region.

A daylong strike call was also given by dozens of Sikh and Hindu groups demanding protection of Sikhs from Taliban militants.

The protestors even forcefully closed many shops and stopped vehicular traffic.Some miscreants damaged vehicles, and burnt tyres.

Thousands of people, including many from the minority Sikh community, have fled Swat while the government troops are engaged in a battle with the Taliban fighters.

Indian Sikhs say the government in Pakistan was doing little to protect their lives.

Reportedly, Taliban outfits demolished at least 11 houses belonging to the Sikh community in the Orakzai Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan after they refused to pay 'Jazia'.

'Jazia', a religious tax was imposed on Sikhs for their protection that prevailed during the era of Mughal reign. (ANI)